What Can Step Up Scholarships Pay For?

Type a service in your own words, in English or Spanish, and see which Step Up programs can pay for it, what kind of approved provider delivers it, and the rule that applies. This guide gives information only; Step Up makes every coverage decision.

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Speech Therapy

Speech-language therapy helps a child speak, understand language, and communicate.

Who provides it: A licensed speech-language pathologist.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Speech Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy builds the everyday skills a child uses for learning, playing, and self-care.

Who provides it: A licensed occupational therapist.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Occupational Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps a child with movement, strength, balance, and coordination.

Who provides it: A licensed physical therapist.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Physical Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

ABA Therapy

ABA therapy is structured behavior therapy, most often used with children on the autism spectrum.

Who provides it: A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for ABA Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Counseling and Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy and counseling for a child, from a licensed mental health professional.

Who provides it: A Florida licensed psychologist, a school psychologist, an LMHC, an LMFT, or an LCSW.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Counseling and Psychotherapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Vision Therapy

Vision therapy treats how the eyes work together, provided by a licensed optometrist.

Who provides it: A licensed optometrist.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Vision Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Listening and Spoken Language Services

Specialized services that help children who are deaf or hard of hearing learn to listen and speak.

Who provides it: A listening and spoken language specialist.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Listening and Spoken Language Services

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses music as a clinical tool to work on communication, motor, and social goals.

Who provides it: A music therapist.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Music therapy is a clinical service. Music lessons are different: PEP covers music lessons as an elective. See Music Lessons.

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Music Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Art Therapy

Art therapy uses guided art-making as a clinical tool for communication and emotional goals.

Who provides it: An art therapist.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Art therapy is a clinical service. Art lessons are different: PEP covers art lessons as an elective. See Art Lessons.

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Art Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Horse Therapy

Therapeutic horseback riding, used as therapy for physical, communication, and social goals.

Who provides it: A therapeutic horseback riding provider or program.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Horse Therapy

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Tutoring

Part-time help with schoolwork, reading, or math, or a full-time private tutoring program.

Who provides it: An approved tutor or tutoring program.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Tutor credential rules apply under PEP, and tutors in a full-time tutoring program must hold a valid Florida teaching certificate.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Status: Not open to new students: Florida did not fund new New Worlds scholarships for 2025-2026. Only families with a balance left from a previous year can spend it.

New Worlds covers part-time tutoring in reading, literacy, or math only.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA only. Reimbursement is not allowed.

The rule that decides it: For public school students in VPK through grade 5 who are behind in reading or math.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), part-time tutoring is an eligible use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Tutoring

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Books, curriculum, and learning materials for a child's education, whether the child learns at home or at school.

Who provides it: Curriculum and materials are bought through MyScholarShop or from approved instructional program providers.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Status: Not open to new students: Florida did not fund new New Worlds scholarships for 2025-2026. Only families with a balance left from a previous year can spend it.

New Worlds covers curriculum and instructional materials for reading, literacy, or math, for families who already hold an account balance. Direct Pay only; New Worlds does not reimburse purchases.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA only. Reimbursement is not allowed.

The rule that decides it: For public school students in VPK through grade 5 who are behind in reading or math.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), curriculum and instructional materials, including digital materials, are an eligible use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Laptops and Digital Devices

A laptop, tablet, or computer your child uses for learning.

Who provides it: Devices count as instructional materials and are bought through MyScholarShop or an approved seller.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

PEP cannot pay for digital devices. The PEP Purchasing Guide lists digital devices as a prohibited item, so a PEP family should not plan to buy a laptop with PEP funds.

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Laptops and Digital Devices

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Online and Virtual Instruction

Classes and courses your child takes online instead of in a classroom.

Who provides it: An approved online or virtual instruction provider.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), approved online or virtual instruction is an eligible use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Online and Virtual Instruction

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Music Lessons

Piano, guitar, violin, voice, and other instrument or singing lessons.

Who provides it: A music teacher, studio, or lesson provider.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), music lessons are an eligible elective use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Lessons are an elective under PEP. Music therapy is a different, clinical service covered under FES-UA. See Music Therapy.

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Music Lessons

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Art Lessons

Drawing, painting, and other visual art lessons and classes.

Who provides it: An art teacher, studio, or lesson provider.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), art lessons are an eligible elective use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Lessons are an elective under PEP. Art therapy is a different, clinical service covered under FES-UA. See Art Therapy.

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Art Lessons

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Drama and Theater Lessons

Acting, drama, and theater classes for children.

Who provides it: A drama or theater teacher, studio, or program.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), drama lessons are an eligible elective use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Drama and Theater Lessons

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Foreign Language Lessons

Lessons in a world language, such as Spanish or French.

Who provides it: A language teacher, tutor, or lesson provider.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), foreign language lessons are an eligible elective use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Foreign Language Lessons

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Coding Classes

Coding and computer programming classes for children.

Who provides it: A coding instructor, school, or program.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Coding Classes

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Cooking Lessons

Cooking and culinary lessons for children.

Who provides it: A cooking instructor, school, or program.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), cooking lessons are an eligible elective use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Cooking Lessons

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Photography Lessons

Photography lessons and classes for children.

Who provides it: A photography instructor, school, or program.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Photography Lessons

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Sports, Dance, and Physical Education

Sports lessons and training, dance lessons, and team fees, including martial arts lessons such as karate.

Who provides it: A sports instructor or coach, a dance studio, a league, or a physical education provider.

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), physical education classes are an eligible use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Sports, Dance, and Physical Education

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Testing and Assessment Fees

Fees for standardized tests, AP exams, and career or placement assessments.

Who provides it: A testing organization or assessment provider.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

FES-UA covers standardized testing and academic fees.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

PEP covers standardized tests, AP exams, and career and placement assessments.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), standardized testing fees are an eligible use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Testing and Assessment Fees

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Specialized Summer Programs

Summer education programs built for a child's specific learning needs, including reading and math programs.

Who provides it: An approved specialized summer program provider.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Status: Not open to new students: Florida did not fund new New Worlds scholarships for 2025-2026. Only families with a balance left from a previous year can spend it.

New Worlds covers summer programs designed to improve reading or math.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA only. Reimbursement is not allowed.

The rule that decides it: For public school students in VPK through grade 5 who are behind in reading or math.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Specialized Summer Programs

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Specialized After-School Programs

After-school education programs built for a child's specific learning needs, including reading and math programs.

Who provides it: An approved specialized after-school program provider.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

New Worlds Scholarship Accounts

Status: Not open to new students: Florida did not fund new New Worlds scholarships for 2025-2026. Only families with a balance left from a previous year can spend it.

New Worlds covers after-school programs designed to improve reading or math.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA only. Reimbursement is not allowed.

The rule that decides it: For public school students in VPK through grade 5 who are behind in reading or math.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Specialized After-School Programs

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Job Coach and Transition Services

A job coach helps an older student build work skills and move toward employment.

Who provides it: A job coach who provides transition services.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Job Coach and Transition Services

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Choice Navigator Services

A Choice Navigator helps a family plan and choose the right education path for their child.

Who provides it: A Choice Navigator, an educational consultant approved in EMA.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Personalized Education Program (PEP)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: For parent-directed education. Your child cannot be enrolled full time in a public or private school, and a district home education registration must be ended by August 15.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), Choice Navigator services are an eligible use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Choice Navigator Services

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

VPK and School Readiness

Tuition and fees at approved VPK and School Readiness providers for young children.

Who provides it: An approved VPK or School Readiness provider.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

FES-UA can be used together with VPK at an eligible private provider. Public school VPK counts as public school enrollment, which blocks FES-UA, so the setting matters.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for VPK and School Readiness

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Pre-Apprenticeship and Postsecondary Programs

Tuition and fees at approved pre-apprenticeship and postsecondary programs for older students.

Who provides it: An approved pre-apprenticeship or postsecondary program.

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Private School Scholarship

Under the Private School Scholarship (FTC and FES-EO), postsecondary tuition, dual enrollment, and pre-apprenticeship costs are an eligible use of money left after the student's tuition and fees are paid, while the student attends an eligible private school full time in person. Pre-apprenticeship programs are paid by reimbursement only under this scholarship.

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Pre-Apprenticeship and Postsecondary Programs

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

Private School Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees at an eligible private school your child attends full time.

Who provides it: The eligible private school your child attends.

Private School Scholarship

Paying: Funds are paid to the school in quarterly payments, and a parent approves each payment in EMA. Money left after tuition and fees can also be spent through Direct Pay, reimbursement, or MyScholarShop.

The rule that decides it: Pays tuition and fees at the eligible private school your child attends full time. It cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

For a child who qualifies for FES-UA, full-time private school tuition can also be paid by direct billing in EMA.

Paying: Direct Pay in EMA, or pay the provider and request reimbursement.

The rule that decides it: Needs a qualifying diagnosis or an IEP, and it cannot be used while your child is enrolled full time in a public school.

More about this program for parents

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Read the full guide to paying for Private School Tuition and Fees

Not sure which programs fit your family? Check your child's options

How to Read These Results

Every service in this guide is one Step Up's published rules name as an eligible expense for at least one program. A program is listed only where its own handbook or purchasing guide supports it, which is why therapies appear under Unique Abilities (FES-UA) only: PEP has no therapy category at all.

Two rules decide most services. First, the service has to be an eligible expense under your child's program. Second, your child's enrollment setting has to fit that program: FES-UA and PEP funds cannot be used while a child is enrolled full time in a public school. If your child is in public school, the district provides evaluations and many services at no cost to families.

Approved providers are listed in Step Up's official directory inside EMA. Log in to your EMA account, choose Marketplace, then Find Providers to search approved providers and services near you. Step Up's steps for finding a provider in EMA.

Not Sure Which Programs Fit Your Family?

Answer a few questions about where your child goes to school and what your child needs, and see which Step Up programs may fit. It takes about two minutes, and nothing you answer is saved or sent anywhere.

Check Your Child's Options

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Applications are made with Step Up For Students, not with this site.

Apply at Step Up For Students

Step Up Customer Engagement Center: (877) 735-7837, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

This tool gives general information only. It is not an application, and it cannot tell you whether your child is eligible. Step Up For Students makes all eligibility and funding decisions.